The No Film School Podcast

Breaking story is not easy. When it does finally happen, you feel so good you can’t help but walk around with your chin up in the air and your chest puffed out! Sounds amazing, right! So what does it take to get there? Let’s find out!In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and director Kevin Taylor discuss: The satisfying moment that unlocks the whole story  Exploring the story without being attached to structure What to do when you are stuck with a scene that isn’t working The question Kevin wanted to explore with his film, Last Resort Writing 8 screenplays during the pandemic How Kevin’s production experience helped him in his role as a feature director Allowing the magic to unfold in the frame Why Kevin wanted to edit his own feature Why mapping out your story beforehand is so important Memorable Quotes “It’s using overly aggressive language to make up for the fact that our job is making up stories and playing with costumes.” [1:02] “The best part about writing is breaking the story.” [16:28] “You cannot break the horse, by looking at the horse. You have to get on the horse to break the horse.” [19:50] “It’s building a muscle. Sitting down and being in that spot so the muse knows where to find you.” [28:39] “If you ask for help, you’ll get advice, but if you ask for advice, you will get help.” [52:56] Mentioned:Watch on YouTubeWatch on TubiWatch on Apple TVWatch on Prime VideoKevin’s InstagramFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damien and Natalie LeVeck are the masterminds behind the film, A Creature Was Stirring. The film is a holiday horror that explores topics such as secrets, guilt, and mental illness. We had the honor of interviewing each filmmaker separately in the past. Now, this married duo is back to discuss all things production, including planning, shooting, and distributing.In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with director Damien LeVeck and producer Natalie LeVeck to discuss: Shooting a winter-themed film in the middle of a very hot summer Using expensive, concert style lasers in the film Surrounding yourself with a production team you trust Saying “no” while trying to find a middle ground Being married and working together - what is that like? The biggest on set challenge that ended up working out for the better How having editing experience can become a director’s super power Why you should make your own press kit and what to include in it Posting pictures before your film is purchased by a distributor What makes this horror film unique Memorable Quotes “You really need to know what hills you will die on. And what sacrifices are you willing to make.” [6:31] “Making any independent film is going to be harder than pretty much anything you ever do in your life.” [12:44] “Movies don’t want to be made.” [13:07] “You’re not directing to find it in the edit. You’re directing to get the edit you have in your mind.” [19:48] “The horror movie fans are some of the best fans out there.” [21:07] Mentioned:A Creature was Stirring Natalie's LinkedInNatalie's on InstagramDamien’s InstagramTop Legal Mistakes Filmmakers Make and How To Avoid ThemPiloting Real-Time Post-Collab on Damien LeVeck’s Holiday Horror  Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix delivered your Christmas gift early this year! For the first time ever, the platform just released all of its streaming data! This “data dump” is beneficial for many in the industry, and it seems we will be getting more of these gifts in the foreseeable future. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, Ryan Koo and writer Amanda Barnes discuss: The streaming data that was recently released by Netflix The metric Netflix used in ranking it’s shows and movies Observations we have been making since the data dump Using the data as a negotiation talking point for future films How to avoid chasing others and instead attract attention Borrowing lines and ideas from our favorite holiday movies How to respond when you receive shitty notes  The blessings and curses of being a writer The concessions you make as an indie filmmaker  Handling heavy themes by wrapping them in joy and humor  Memorable Quotes “What it was like to not know how many people were watching my movie out in the world.” [2:45] “The one thing Netflix has never done is tell us who is watching what.” [7:26] “I want to know who’s watching my show, so I can get paid accordingly.” [7:56] “Oh shit, now I have to learn how to write a Christmas movie.” [51:01] “If you have a vision and you need it executed your way and only your way, you have to make it yourself. And you have to be okay with the fact that maybe no one will see it.” [57:34] Mentioned:The making of Ryan's film 'Amateur'Netflix Releases All Its Streaming Data for the First Time Ever Connect with Amanda on Instagram Watch ‘Just Like a Christmas Movie’Watch 'The Holiday Shift' Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ira Rosensweig is the director and editor of Share?, a science fiction thriller that was shot entirely from one fixed camera angle. This film will creep you out, but in a good way, as it prompts you to take an honest look at your relationship with social media.In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with director and editor, Ira Rosensweig to discuss: The origin of the film and what Ira hopes to evoke in the audience How he accidentally fell in love with filmmaking during college Becoming a “full stack” filmmaker - writing, producing, directing, and editing  Challenges in working with famous celebrities Being confident and honest regardless of the reactions of others Directing actors within a short frame of time Getting excited after receiving rejection  All the challenges they faced during production and post production Not taking “no” for an answer Memorable Quotes “The most expensive lesson I learned as a filmmaker was directing something without knowing how to edit.” [4:45] “When you can figure out how to use technology to your advantage to tell a story in a different way, there’s nothing better.” [30:17] “When you strip certain things away and limit your pallet, it makes a much more interesting product.” [37:17] “Do what drives you and try to make what your passion is. Your passion is the thing that will get it made.” [41:14] Mentioned:Connect with Ira on InstagramFollow Share? on TikTokWatch the Share? trailerFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wow! It’s wild to think that we have reached 700 episodes of the No Film School Podcast! We feel so honored to share filmmaking knowledge with passionate filmmakers, through these weekly conversations. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: What we have learned over the last 7 years of this podcast Asking the questions we wish we had the answers to as beginners Why it’s important to be engaged in these type of conversations  Having an independent film streaming platform - could it work? The important role marketing has on the success of indie films Working with the streaming platforms that already exist Film Markets - great place to connect with potential distributors Memorable Quotes “It’s okay not to know everything. You just have to take one step at a time.” [3:31] “Writing is like ironing a shirt. You’re going over and over the same area. Trying to make each individual thing perfect.” [7:07] “How come we don’t build an independent media streaming service, like Netflix for indie movies?” [13:09] “The platform is not coming to save you. You are the captain of that ship, and you’re steering it.” [25:27] Mentioned:An IndieCheck out this episode: Film Exec Unpacks The Post-Strike World Brooklyn 35mmFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Tiexiera, Susanne Reisenbichler, and Matt Klug discuss the impact of documentary filmmaking on the lives of participants, transparency in working relationships, ethics in the industry, consent calendars for protecting participants, and valuable advice for emerging filmmakers.

Networking…do you have to do it? Yes. Is it awful? No. It doesn’t have to be. It’s actually much easier than you realize!In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: Networking - it doesn’t happen at networking events Pacing the amount of alcohol you drink while networking Some great go-to questions you can ask others Connecting with others outside the usual way we network  Why you need to be able to have normal human chit chat  The questions you should always have prepared answers for Why you should brag on your friends when networking  Remembering people’s names - you need to improve this skill Memorable Quotes “Having a real conversation with people is networking.” [5:42] “Show up. Be a pleasure to talk to. And don’t be crazy. If you are crazy, try to hide it.” [9:07] “Treat it like a work event. That refers to attire. That refers to jokes. That refers to drinking. That refers to all of the things.” [11:31] “Bragging on your friends, even if you don’t think it’s going to pay your rent, it will in full later.” [22:20] “It pays off to remember people’s names. It really does.” [24:47] Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samy Burch is the writer of May December, a story about a married couple who buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past. This complicated and sensitive story truly captivates the power of what is not being said.In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with screenwriter Samy Burch to discuss: Spending time in audition rooms as the daughter of a casting director Making sure no actor got cut from this film How Samy was able to tackle such a complicated and sensitive story  Writing in her apartment coat closet  The hard work and luck involved in getting the screenplay picked up  Protecting the confidence in your own voice. Presenting power dynamics in her writing Watching the film alone versus in a theater  Memorable Quotes “My goal with writing is to write roles that actors think are interesting.” [9:51] “It’s so hard to be an actor. It really is.” [12:34] “Protect that confidence in your own voice because that’s the hardest part.” [24:39] “The tension exists in what’s not being said.” [29:34] Mentioned:May DecemberFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an actor, will knowing the ins and outs of cinematography enhance your performance? What’s the best way to go about hiring your post-production team? How do you give honest feedback without ruining your reputation?In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss: Warmup actors versus burnout actors - what’s the difference The red camera setting named after actor Giovanni Ribisi How directors can benefit from taking acting classes Why hiring people for production is easier than hiring for post The best way to evaluate the post team in interviews Paying a flat fee versus paying an hourly fee Why everyone needs to have a deal memo Sharing your honest opinion without offending the other person The magic moments that can happen in post  Memorable Quotes “It is a lifelong process learning about our art.” [11:07] “I wish more actors had a better handle on editing.” [11:14] “Hiring people for production is fifty to a thousand times easier than hiring people for post.” [17:45] “Your recommendation is your reputation in this industry.” [28:34] “You should do deal memos on every project you do, for everything you do because it forces people to lay out expectations.” [35:00] “Post can be way more fun than set. You can give birth to your project again in a new way.” [42:20] Mentioned:New RED Firmware Brings In-Camera LUTs & Zone System Exposure Tool  DP Robert D. Yeoman on Film vs Digital, Long-Term Director Relationships, and Sleep  Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it feel like to finally finish your first feature? It’s difficult to explain the mix of emotions running through you. To quote the director of Hungry Dog Blues, it kind of feels like “finishing a marathon or coming out of a psychedelic drug trip.”In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmakers Jason Abrams and Irina Gorovaia to discuss: The very unique experience of making your first film The magical sense of community on an indie set  How the film was inspired by a true story Why people prefer to work on a project that already has momentum Launching a crowdfunding campaign right before the pandemic started How the proof of concept made a huge impact on their fundraising efforts Why frequently following up with investors is so important The practice of not taking things personally Why it’s a win if people hate your movie  Understanding you have to wear a lot of hats on your first film  Learning to enjoy every little part of the filmmaking process Memorable Quotes “It’s a very unique process to take something through, from nothing to something.” [4:52] “Everybody wants to be on a moving train. Nobody wants to shovel coal.” [12:16] “It’s not your job to say ‘no’ for other people.” [30:39] “Slow down. Take your time. Enjoy every little piece of it. Learn to enjoy every little piece of the filmmaking process.” [58:04] “You can create just for the sake of creating. Just because you have a story to tell. That’s allowed, too.” [61:57] Mentioned:Hungry Dog BluesIrina's InstagramHungry Dog Blues InstagramJason's InstagramVariations on a Theme (YouTube channel)Resources they used:ProducingFilm Budget TemplateLine Producer TipsSuccessful Crowdfunding CampaignsEntertainment Lawyer Help FilmmakersCreativeBreaking the Fourth WallThe Art of SuspenseJumping from Short to FeatureFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices